Master Wang’s eyes slightly narrowed: "All from Yangluo Bay? And all of them bear the surname Ji? Then they are all likely related in some way. Get some information, and if they seem to have family ties, let them in."
The old steward, a crafty man, understood Master Wang’s meaning instantly and nodded repeatedly: "Yes, I’ll go ask right away."
Having said that, he turned around and went straight to the entrance of the mansion.
Upon exiting the mansion, he saw a rural couple waiting at the entrance - it was Ji Dashan and Lady Ding.
Lady Ding was complaining at this moment: "We’ve been here for a few days, but they aren’t willing to see us. I’m afraid we’ve come in vain again today!"
Ji Dashan’s face flushed with embarrassment, annoyed, he said: "This was all your idea! I told you not to come and embarrass us. Do they have time to see us, given the stature of their household?"
Lady Ding glared at him: "With your lack of ambition, I doubt anyone would even bother seeking your favor. You deserve to be a failure for the rest of your life!"
"You!" Ji Dashan stared fiercely at Lady Ding, they seemed on the verge of quarreling.
Just then, the grand entrance of the Wang family opened.
The couple immediately hushed and looked eagerly at the opening door.
Initially, they thought it would be the same boy telling them that the master and the madam didn’t have time to see them. But to their surprise, it was a different face - an older man, well-dressed, and of a distinguished appearance, suggesting a high status.
Upon seeing him, Lady Ding’s eyes brightened. Ji Dashan immediately recognized him as the steward of the Wang family whom he had once seen talking to Master Wang on the street!
"Are you the people my master helped on the street the other day?" inquired the old steward immediately after stepping out.
Ji Dashan hastily stepped forward, "Yes, yes! Steward, what brings you out here especially?"
On hearing this, Lady Ding chuckled flatteringly, "So it’s the steward of the Wang family. I almost mistook your grandeur for Master Wang himself!"
The old steward’s face changed abruptly: "You must not speak in such a manner!"
Lady Ding turned pale with fright and stammered: "Yes, yes, I misspoke."
She had only intended to flatter the steward a bit but ended up stumbling.
The old steward snorted coldly, his contempt for the couple grew. As expected, they were just frogs at the bottom of a well, ignorant country folks who had never seen real authority. They mistook him for the master?
Such words, sincere or not, were inappropriate. Serving in an aristocratic household, no matter how high the status of a servant, he was still just a servant. To publicly call him ’master’ in front of stewarden boy, if the master of the house found out, he would certainly be punished.
This ill-mannered and foolish woman!
Ji Dashan shot a harsh glance at Lady Ding. If it weren’t for their current circumstances, he would have definitely scolded her. As soon as they show her a bit of respect, there she goes making a fool of herself again!
Ji Dashan bowed down, lowering his humble posture, and hurriedly said, "Please don’t be angry, Mr. Steward. My wife tends to blurt things out recklessly. I hope you won’t take it to heart."
The old steward snorted coldly, raised his head, looking very arrogant and dismissive.
Ji Dashan tried to appease the situation, "Steward, is there something in particular you came out to share with us?"
Ji Dashan was worried that he might miss out on some opportunity and hurriedly inquired.
Only then did the old steward say sternly: "Yes, there is indeed a matter. I first ask you, are you a resident of Yangluo Bay?"
Ji Dashan nodded hurriedly: "I’m a native. Generations of our family have lived in Yangluo Bay. May I ask why you are interested?"
Continuing the steward asked: "Then, do you know a miss named Ji Xinhe from Yangluo Bay? Are you related to her?"
Ji Dashan hesitated for a moment, stammering, unsure of what to reply. The reason the steward asked this question, is it a good or bad thing?
If it’s a good thing, naturally he should quickly claim it.
However, if Ji Xinhe had somehow upset the Wangs and they were dissatisfied, then admitting his relationship with her could have consequences.
Ji Dashan was always very dull. At this moment, he didn’t know how to respond.
Lady Ding, on the other hand, was smart, her eyes rolling, she hurriedly said: "Oh, what a coincidence! Ji Xinhe is actually our daughter. May I ask why you brought her up?"
The old steward’s eyes brightened, "She’s your daughter?"
Ji Dashan, watching the steward’s face clearly brighten, felt reassured and said joyfully: "Yes, yes, she’s our daughter!"
The old steward snorted softly, "In that case, our master would like to invite the two of you to discuss a matter."
Ji Dashan and Lady Ding, thrilled, exchanged glances, nodding repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes!"
Under the steward’s guidance, the couple entered the mansion of the noble family for the first time.
Both Ji Dashan and Lady Ding were very excited. Although Ji Dashan was somewhat mindful of his dignity and tried to restrain his joy, Lady Ding couldn’t hold back her excitement, her saliva almost dripping out of her mouth.
When they arrived at the parlor, Master Wang was already waiting inside.
Ji Dashan and Lady Ding hurriedly stepped forward and bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Master Wang."
Master Wang glanced at them and asked, "I heard Ji Xinhe is your daughter?"
"Yes, yes, of course!" Ji Dashan nodded quickly.
"Oh? Well, I happen to have a good business proposition I’d like to discuss with the both of you," said Master Wang, finally looking at them directly.
Ji Dashan paused, could it be a business deal involving Ji Xinhe? Others may not be aware, but he knew it well - Ji Xinhe, although technically his daughter, considered him her enemy rather than her father.
Lady Ding, however, didn’t care about any of that. She saw an opportunity and was bent on seizing it.
"Just tell us what you want, Master Wang, what business? Why beat around the bush?" Lady Ding wagged
Master Wang chuckled derisively, sounding very mocking: "Rest assured, if the business goes as planned, you will definitely see your benefits."
On hearing this, Lady Ding nearly jumped up with excitement: "What business?!"
----
Since she had already signed a contract with Manager Wang, she was naturally taking this business opportunity at the Palace very seriously.
She went to check the remaining grape wine in the courtyard right after getting home. There were ten large jars of grape wine in the first batch of brewing. She gave three to Guilin Residence and sold five herself. Today, she still had two jars left, which were approximately over 200 pounds.
Even though she brewed more grape wine later, it didn’t have as much time to mature as these two jars. The older the wine, the more fragrant it would be, therefore, only the best was fit to be sent to the Palace.
Ji Xinhe lifted the lid, inhaling the rich wine aroma that flooded in, and satisfyingly sniffed: "Not bad at all. By the end of the month, the taste will probably be even better. By then, I’ll have Guilin Residence come and pick up the goods."
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